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Michael Gyll, 43, a Johnson Lane resident, said Thursday he would file Monday for the nonpartisan office.

He recently retired after a 21-year career with the Nevada Highway Patrol and Department of Public Safety Investigations Division.

Sheriff Ron Pierini, 61, announced last May he would seek re-election to his fifth term. Minden financial planner and DCSO reserve deputy David Brady, 58, also announced his candidacy. Brady is a former school board member and county commissioner.

It’s been more than 30 years since there has been a contested race for sheriff. With three candidates, the contest will go to a June 10 primary with the top two facing off in the November election.

Gyll said he had been approached by several people who wanted to see a “fresh face” in the DCSO.

He retired from the Department of Public Safety in June, and has spent several months thinking about the campaign.

With his law enforcement experience, and youth, Gyll said he believed he could make a difference.

“I believe we need to shine the star, it’s a little tarnished. I think we need a change of the old guard and more transparency,” Gyll said.

“In 1988-90, Douglas County was the place to work,” he said. “Young guys don’t want to work there now. I think we need a house cleaning. Officers need to be proud of not only the job they do, but the place they work.”

Prior to becoming a police officer, Gyll was an enlisted Army paratrooper and veteran of a foreign war.

In 1995, he was assigned to the new Minden Nevada Highway Patrol substation.

He worked his way up through the ranks at the Department of Public Safety, retiring in June 2013 as a lieutenant assigned to the investigation division as headquarters commander.